Why dental sealants are highly recommended by pediatric dentists

Our pediatric dental team at South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Mission Viejo, California, knows that dental sealants can play an essential role in keeping children’s teeth healthy.

What are dental sealants?

Sealants are applied by the doctor to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth, where most cavities form. A thin coating is painted onto the tooth and hardened with a special curing light. This creates a shield against food particles and bacteria from getting lodged into small crevices on the teeth and causing decay or other damage. Children of all ages, including adults, will benefit from this proactive approach to caring for their smiles.

Studies have shown that sealant applications can reduce cavities dramatically for up to two years after their initial application. They may even provide long-term protection if properly maintained. Dental sealants are especially beneficial for young children prone to developing cavities due to their limited ability to brush their own teeth effectively. Our dentists will often recommend the application of a dental sealant in the youngest of patients to take one extra step against disease and decay.

Should my child have a dental sealant placed?

Sealants for teeth are a great idea for any age! We encourage you as the parent to make an informed decision on the best way to proceed in protecting your child’s smile from common dental problems. We welcome you to ask about this and other preventative care solutions that can be used to your child’s advantage.

How do I learn more about dental sealants?

Dental sealants are just one of many services provided by our team to protect your child’s smile from disease and decay. If you reside in or around Mission Viejo, CA, and want to speak to Drs. John De Lorme, Sam Wu, and the South OC Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics team about the benefits of cavity sealants for teeth. Call (949) 581 5800 to request an appointment. The office is at 26302 La Paz Road, Suite #114, and is open to new patients and families in the community and surrounding areas.

Dr. John De Lorme

Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.

Dr. Samuel Wu

Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries. ‍

Dr. Chris Carter

Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.